Walnut Veneer Curved Box

It’s been a while since I posted my last project, but this walnut burl veneered box is my most elaborate so far. It turned out to be a fair challenge and took a while. (As in, open a Samuel Adams and think “well now, how am I going to do that?”)

The edging is boxwood, highlighted with a simple black-black/white/black line all around. The lid is a four-way book-match, and the sides are two-piece bookmatch, all taken from four consecutive sheets so that the front/back, and the two sides are identical. There are forty individual pieces of veneer.

The box is 11” L x 6 1/4” W x 5 1/4” H. I like to use side-rail quadrant hinges (bcspecialities.com) , and inlayed a small white/black/white line along the lip of the lid and base to accent the inner edge. The edge veneer (between lid and base) is bookmatched to tie in with the faces. The 2 1/2” brass bail handles are from LeeValley.com.

The full mortise lock was chosen because it had the most attractive key of any I have found. Most of the available locks have ugly keys. I used a small brass lock escutcheon (and locks, both from WhiteChapel.com) rather than my usual pearl inlay to leave the burl front unobstructed. There are no inlays in the lid for the same reason; looking for overall balance in proportions and decoration. I really like inlays but it’s easy to go too far and let things get too busy. This box seemed to want to stop here.

The interior is lined with black-green velvet. I sometimes veneer the interior with figured wood but I almost always line the base because I personally like the “finished” and softer feel of the suede or velvet. There are three individual trays of cocobolo with brass pins, also lined with green velvet.

I believe this particular shape was pioneered by Andrew Crawford ( www.fine-boxes.com ), and the graceful curves add a sophistication to the profile. However, the curves do offer some challenges, particularly with the three-way miters on the edging. There are not many 45 degree cuts, which makes fitting them tedious. The finish is French polish with super-blond shellac. ...and a bit of elbow grease.

By the way, I’m just an amateur boxmaker. I make these things for fun and would certainly starve to death if I tried this for a living. :-)

this is a fabulous box…i really hate to call them that…its such a mundane word to me…and it no where describes the beauty of one of these…i hope i can someday do something of this caliber…your box inspires me….grizzman

I’ve been axiously waiting to see the end result on this box and the result is gorgeous. I like all facets of this box, the choice and bookmatching of veneers, the high quality hinges, lock, and handles, the cocobolo trays, the keen attention to fine details, and not to overlook a superb French polishing job. My compliments on the photography as well. I particularly liked that you also included a photo of the boxes back.